Another summer has come and gone. Next week on September 23rd, the season officially fades to fall. It was a memorable one for me. There was cottage time, endless sunshine and not enough rain. There were road trips, plane trips and a few good parties. I mastered the charcoal grill, named the Aperol Spritz my summer drink, ran an 8km race, ran a half marathon and went on hike after hike after hike. I saw live music, threw the ball with Lola the dog, played in the sprinkler with my nieces and turned lemons into lemonade. Here is my summer in pics... — Read More —

I was in the changing room at Zara trying to squeeze into clothes made for women half my age when a potentially embarrassing situation nearly took me down. — Read More —

This was the view from my second row seat at the Dave Matthews Band concert this week in Vancouver. You would think that with such excellent positioning I'd be able to catch more than just a glimpse of Dave himself. Instead I got a different kind of show. And sadly, these two just didn't do it for me. — Read More —

We've been getting hate mail. Seems our Grocery Bag re-runs are ticking off a few viewers! As we're seeing a few common themes I thought it efficient to address them here. The following are some examples of what we've been receiving along with my responses. — Read More —

In my books, cottaging is a part of what defines a great Canadian summer. That is, the practice of traveling to ones own or a friend or family member’s remote(ish) cottage (or “cabin” as it is called in the west), preferably near a body of water for the purposes of relaxation and enjoyment of each other and the great outdoors — Read More —

A recent getaway to NYC was an opportunity to update my list of must-dos for the Big Apple. It is a list that I am constantly curating and since so many New Yorkers leave the city to beat the sweltering heat, the summer is a good time to return to continue my ongoing research. If you plan on heading there any time soon, read on for a few dos (and one don't.) — Read More —

Sicily - Italy's largest island (and the biggest one in the Mediterranean) is rich in history, mafia lore, stunning vistas, beaches and cliff-top towns. Better than telling you about it, here's a look at my week there, in pictures. — Read More —

Calgary is not usually top of mind when I think of the great cities of the world; places rich in history, art, food and other exciting ways to spend a couple of days. But a recent visit revealed that, in spite of that depressing oil situation, (Or maybe because of it?) Calgary is finding a new groove. — Read More —

Dear film and TV writers, directors and DOPs. Long time fan. Watch a LOT of movies and TV shows. Love getting to know complex characters, becoming lost in a story, suspending all disbelief. But there are times when you're wrenching me out of the action with some old movie "tricks" that need a rethink. — Read More —

If you plan to be lazing about on a beach, a dock, campsite, boat or sofa this summer, you'll need a good book.  Here's my list of 5 to take you through to Labour Day. — Read More —